electrical

Side Mirror Assembly

for 2018 Ford F-150 5.0L V8 Coyote · RWD
Difficulty
Easy
Time
1.0 h
Tools
6
Steps
10

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the side mirror assembly on a 2015-2020 Ford F-150, including disconnecting electrical connectors and removing mounting hardware.

Warnings

Disconnecting battery may reset radio presets and other memory settings. Have radio security code available if applicable.
ℹ️Work on the mirror in moderate temperatures when possible. Plastic clips and connectors are more brittle in cold weather.

Tools required

T30 Torx bitEssential
10mm socketEssential
Ratchet and extensionEssential
Flathead screwdriver or trim removal tool
Torque wrenchEssential
Work light

Parts

  • Side mirror assembly (driver or passenger side as needed) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

  1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
  2. Turn ignition off and remove key
  3. Disconnect negative battery terminal to prevent electrical shorts and allow mirror control modules to power down
  4. Wait 2 minutes after battery disconnect for capacitors to discharge
  5. If mirror has power folding feature, ensure mirror is in fully extended position before beginning work

Procedure

  1. 1
    Remove interior door panel trim piece
    Open the door fully. Locate the triangular trim panel at the front upper corner of the door, adjacent to the mirror mounting area. Carefully pry the trim panel away from the door using a trim removal tool or flathead screwdriver wrapped in cloth to avoid scratching. The panel is held by plastic clips. Pull gently to release all clips and remove the trim panel to access the mirror mounting bolts and electrical connector.
  2. 2
    Disconnect mirror electrical connector
    Locate the electrical connector behind the trim panel. Press the locking tab on the connector and pull the connector apart. If equipped with heated, power-folding, or blind spot monitoring mirrors, there may be multiple connectors - disconnect all connectors leading to the mirror assembly. Route the wiring harness slightly forward to provide clearance for mirror removal.
  3. 3
    Remove mirror mounting bolts
    Locate the three T30 Torx bolts securing the mirror assembly to the door frame. These bolts are accessible from inside the door with the trim panel removed. Support the mirror assembly from the outside with your free hand to prevent it from falling when the last bolt is removed. Remove all three mounting bolts completely and set aside.
    Torque spec
    Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
  4. 4
    Remove mirror assembly from door
    While supporting the mirror from outside, carefully pull the mirror assembly away from the door. Guide the electrical connector and wiring harness through the opening in the door frame. Be careful not to scratch the door paint during removal. Set the old mirror assembly aside on a clean, padded surface.
  5. 5
    Prepare new mirror assembly
    Unpack the new mirror assembly and verify it matches the removed unit in terms of features (heated, power-folding, turn signal, blind spot monitoring). If the mirror came with a protective film on the glass, leave it in place until installation is complete to prevent damage during handling.
  6. 6
    Install new mirror assembly
    Feed the electrical connector and wiring harness from the new mirror through the opening in the door frame from outside to inside. Align the mirror base with the three mounting holes on the door frame. Hold the mirror in position from outside while working from inside to start the mounting bolts.
  7. 7
    Install and torque mounting bolts
    Thread all three T30 Torx mounting bolts by hand to ensure proper thread engagement. Tighten the bolts in a star pattern (top, bottom, middle) to ensure even seating of the mirror base against the door. Torque all three bolts to 42.0 Nm (31 lb-ft) using a torque wrench.
    Torque spec
    Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
  8. 8
    Reconnect electrical connector
    Route the door wiring harness back to its normal position. Connect the electrical connector(s) to the mirror assembly, ensuring the locking tabs click into place. Verify the connection is secure by gently tugging on the connector. If multiple connectors are present, ensure each is connected to the correct matching connector.
  9. 9
    Reinstall interior trim panel
    Align the triangular trim panel with the door. Press firmly around all edges to seat the plastic retaining clips. Ensure the panel is flush with the door panel and all clips are fully engaged.
  10. 10
    Reconnect battery and test
    Reconnect the negative battery terminal. Turn the ignition to the ON position (engine does not need to run). Test all mirror functions: power adjustment in all directions, heating element if equipped, power folding if equipped, turn signal operation if equipped, and blind spot monitoring indicator if equipped. Verify the mirror glass provides a clear, stable view without vibration.

Reassembly

  1. Ensure all electrical connectors are properly seated and locked
  2. Verify trim panel is fully secured with no gaps or loose clips
  3. Remove any protective film from mirror glass after installation is verified successful

Verification

  • Test all mirror adjustment directions using interior controls - mirror should move smoothly in all directions
  • If equipped, verify heated mirror function by running for 2-3 minutes and checking for warmth on glass surface
  • If equipped, test power-folding function in both directions
  • Check for proper turn signal operation in mirror housing if equipped
  • Verify blind spot monitoring indicator illuminates during testing if equipped
  • Inspect mirror mounting area for any gaps between mirror base and door - should be flush
  • Road test vehicle and verify mirror remains stable without excessive vibration at highway speeds

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